Twin dockyards formed for Dal Lake houseboats

Jammu and Kashmir government has established two dockyards for construction and repair of houseboats in the Dal Lake, one of the main attractions for tourists visiting the state.

The dockyards at Abikarpora and Pokhribal were inaugurated by minister for tourism Ghulam Ahmed Mir on Monday.

The dockyards were constructed at a cumulative cost of Rs 3.32 crore by tourism department to facilitate the houseboat owners for construction and repairs of their houseboats, an official spokesman said.

Speaking on the occasion, the tourism minister said houseboat owners had a great role in promoting tourism in the state.

He called upon them to provide all modern lodging and boarding facilities to the tourists while staying in the houseboats.

Mir said it should be ensured that no tourist faces any inconvenience as Jammu and Kashmir is well-known for its hospitality in the world.

The government would provide all logistic support for the revival of historical houseboats, the minister said.

He said the government has also launched an incentive scheme under which, those who intend to setup their units under tourism sector, would be provided incentives up to Rs one crore.

The minister asked tourism stakeholders to pay special attention to upgradation of tourism infrastructure as the state is expected to witness a big boom of tourism activities in near future.